$20,000 Before Closing, $35,000 at the End: How Myers House Buyers Helped an Augusta, GA Seller Build Her Future

By Paul Myers, Owner — Myers House Buyers | Last Updated: July 2026

Editorial disclaimer: This case study is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Every property, financial situation, and timeline is different, and the outcome described here should not be read as a guarantee of similar results. Myers House Buyers does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Homeowners weighing a repair-heavy sale, a financial hardship, or a creative finance structure such as a novation should consult a qualified attorney, tax professional, or housing counselor before deciding. The seller’s identity has been kept private at her request, and location details are used with permission.

At a Glance

Selling in Augusta, GA? Cash offers, as-is purchases, and novation sales — with responses within one hour. Call 706-350-2379 or request a no-obligation offer.

The seller responded to a direct mail piece from Myers House Buyers. She was an Augusta, Georgia mother with kids, working a job she could only reach if her car ran — and her car was not running. The house had repairs she could not afford and could not manage on her own. 

A period of financial hardship, including job loss, had wiped out her safety net. So she needed someone willing to move money before closing. Within an hour of reaching out, Zach Cook, Home Buying Specialist at Myers House Buyers, was already on the case. 

Why Was a Traditional Listing Not a Realistic Option?

Selling through a real estate agent made no financial sense. A traditional listing requires a home to be in marketable condition, or the seller has to cut her price deep enough to absorb whatever a buyer’s inspector finds. She had neither the cash to prepare the property nor the runway to wait for a closing that might be three or four months away.

Carrying the house through a conventional listing — utilities, insurance, and any remaining mortgage obligation — was not something her budget could absorb. She needed to be somewhere else, with money available now, not at a closing date ninety days down the road. Local market timing did not help her case either. 

Data from the Zillow Augusta housing market page shows how long homes in the area typically sit before going under contract (nearly a month), and that is before repairs, showings, and financing timelines are factored in. And a standard cash-as-is offer may have moved quickly, but it also would have left a significant amount of money on the table. 

A novation sale structured around her specific situation ticked all the boxes.

How Did the Team Respond, and Why Did the Speed Matter?

Zach Cook responded within an hour. That speed mattered — not just tactically, but personally.

“I feel like you have listened to me better than anyone else I have talked to lately”

That quote points to something specific: the chat with Zach was actually about her situation — what she was dealing with, what she needed, and what came next — not just the property. 

From the first conversation, it was clear that a straightforward cash close would not fully address what she needed. The seller needed money before closing. More than once. 

The team made that work.

What Did a Novation Sale Actually Look Like for This Seller?

Myers House Buyers structured this deal as a novation sale. 

In this creative finance approach, the investor takes over responsibility for the seller’s existing loan and sells the property on the open market. The seller’s equity gets paid from the proceeds of that future sale rather than from the investor writing a single check on day one. 

Because these structures involve an existing mortgage, they carry legal and disclosure considerations. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s guidance on mortgages and loan transfers is a useful primer for any homeowner weighing an arrangement like this.

That structure made it possible to offer a higher total payout than a straight cash purchase typically allows — $35,000 in total seller proceeds on a $127,135 sale — while still moving faster than a traditional listing. This novation deal built flexibility into the timeline. 

Myers House Buyers advanced $20,000 upfront to address her most pressing needs: relocating her family and fixing her car, so she could keep getting to work. At the same time, she transitioned into her next rental. Additional funds were provided as new needs came up. 

The team also addressed needed bathroom repairs during the process, which helped move the property toward closure and was part of the value added between signing and settlement.

Selling in Augusta, GA? Cash offers, as-is purchases, and novation sales — with responses within one hour. Call 706-350-2379 or request a no-obligation offer.

How Did It Close, and What Did the Outcome Look Like?

The deal closed September 9, 2025 — 56 days from the start of the process. By that point, the seller had been relocated and was already settled in her new rental.

“I’ve had troubles and you guys were always without hesitation… ‘I’m here to help you'”

That phrase — “without hesitation” — reflects how Myers House Buyers helps; they are there for clients, every step of the way. Each time this particular seller needed funds before closing, the response was not “let’s revisit this later.” The answer was always Yes – we can help.

She described feeling “elated” once the process was complete. She had the car that gets her to work. She had a place for her kids. The financial pressure that had been building since her job loss finally had somewhere to go. She could move on with her family to their next chapter. 

How Does a Novation Sale Compare to a Traditional Listing?

Note: Traditional-listing figures are estimates. Commission percentages, timelines, and carrying costs will vary by property and market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a novation sale, and how does it benefit a seller?

In a novation sale, an investor takes over responsibility for the seller’s existing loan and sells the property on the open market. The seller receives their equity from the proceeds of that future sale. For sellers who have equity but no cash for repairs or a traditional listing, this structure can produce a higher total payout than a straight cash offer, while still closing faster than a conventional listing.

Can I get money from my home before it actually closes?

With the right buyer and the right deal structure, yes. Myers House Buyers has structured deals where sellers receive advance payments well before closing to address immediate needs — relocation costs, vehicle repairs, and living expenses. This is not standard with most buyers, but it is possible when both parties agree to the terms in writing.

Can I sell my house in Augusta, GA if I cannot afford to fix it up?

Yes. Myers House Buyers purchases homes as-is throughout the Augusta metro. You do not need to complete repairs, stage the property, or bring it up to any standard before the sale. The condition of the home is factored into the offer structure, not used as a reason to delay or reduce what you receive.

How quickly can Myers House Buyers respond after I reach out?

In this case, the first response came within one hour of the seller’s initial contact. Fast response is a consistent priority for the team — not because of a script, but because the seller’s timeline is often the most urgent part of the problem.

What if I need help getting into my next place before the house closes?

Myers House Buyers worked directly with this seller to help her get into her next rental before the closing date. Seller relocation support is not guaranteed in every transaction, but the team treats the seller’s real-life circumstances — not just the paperwork — as part of the process.

Ready to Find Out What Your Augusta, GA Home Is Worth — As It Sits Today?

Myers House Buyers serves homeowners throughout Augusta, GA and the surrounding communities — including Hephzibah, Martinez, and Evans. Whether you are facing deferred repairs, financial hardship, a job change, or a timeline that does not fit a traditional sale, Paul Myers and his team can structure something that actually works for where you are.

Zach Cook and the buying team will respond as soon as possible — often within the hour. No pressure, no obligation. Just a straightforward conversation about your options.

Call: 706-350-2379 | Online: myershousebuyers.com/contact-us

Cash offers · As-is purchases · Flexible timelines · Creative finance · Novation sales · Augusta metro

About the Author

Paul Myers — Owner, Myers House Buyers

Paul Myers has been buying homes in Augusta, GA since 2007, working across Hephzibah, Martinez, Evans, and throughout the Augusta metro. He bought his first home at 20 while studying at the University of Georgia, then returned to Augusta immediately after graduation. His focus is on finding win-win solutions that help homeowners accomplish their goals — whatever those may be. Paul is married to Shannon and has four children. Learn more about the team on the Myers House Buyers About page.

Phone: 706-350-2379 | myershousebuyers.com/contact-us

Sources

• Redfin, “Augusta, GA Housing Market.” Accessed July 31, 2026. https://www.redfin.com/city/1440/GA/Augusta/housing-market
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “Mortgages.” Accessed July 31, 2026. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/mortgages/
• Zillow, “Augusta, GA Home Values.” Accessed July 31, 2026. https://www.zillow.com/home-values/10210/augusta-ga/